How a reader reads and interprets a document differs from the print and online documents.
For example, according to Nielson (1997), reading from computer screens is 25% slower than reading from paper. Therefore, different design principles have to be applied to both documents.
The Star online article
The Star printed newspaper
There are a few designing principles that a writer/designer should follow when creating a document:
Balance – balance should be maintained between the amount of text and images in a document
Sequence – Jakob Nielson (1997) states that readers generally scan the pages online. Therefore, the sequence of the images and text is very important. The same can be applied with the printed document.
Consistency – Indentations, margins and typeface should be consistent in both documents so as to avoid it looking messy and unorganized.
The movement of the eyes play a large role in designing a good document. Nielson (2006) explained these movements with the F-shaped pattern theory for reading online content.
With these points taken into consideration, designers and even YOU will be able to design a good online and print document.
References:
Balance – balance should be maintained between the amount of text and images in a document
Sequence – Jakob Nielson (1997) states that readers generally scan the pages online. Therefore, the sequence of the images and text is very important. The same can be applied with the printed document.
Consistency – Indentations, margins and typeface should be consistent in both documents so as to avoid it looking messy and unorganized.
The movement of the eyes play a large role in designing a good document. Nielson (2006) explained these movements with the F-shaped pattern theory for reading online content.
With these points taken into consideration, designers and even YOU will be able to design a good online and print document.
References:
- Nielson, J. 2006, F-Shaped Pattern For Reading Web Content, online, retrieved on 9 October 2009, from http://www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html
- Nielson, J. 1999, Print Design vs Web Design, online, retrieved on 9 October 2009, from http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990124.html
- Nielson, J. 1997, Reading On The Web, online, retrieved on 9 October 2009, from http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9710a.html
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